Our mission is to create common ground that brings people and communities together.

Our Firm

Elkus Manfredi Architects is a full-service design firm providing architecture, master planning, urban design, interior architecture, historic preservation, space planning, programming and experiential graphic design. Our diverse portfolio of work includes planning and design for environments of work, living, learning, play, and innovation. We are especially known for our national and international work in mixed-use place-making that fosters community and creative innovation, as well as strategic workplace solutions that engage users and enhance performance.

Design is the process of working closely with clients, consultants, users, and other stakeholders to solve real-world challenges and make memorable, enduring places. Our practice is truly collaborative – we are focused on understanding our clients’ long-term strategic goals and supporting these goals in all assignments.

Elkus Manfredi’s portfolio of work includes a diversity of projects, including collaborative interdisciplinary science and technology hubs, community-building higher education campus plans and facilities, workplace environments that attract and retain talent, vibrant retail and entertainment destinations, welcoming and dynamic residential developments, and leading-edge hospitality experiences. Each of our projects is unique, representing an important statement of the firm’s commitment to design excellence in response to the singular needs of each client.

The planning and design work of Elkus Manfredi Architects is founded on the conviction that the quality of our environment regularly and significantly impacts the quality of our lives. Elkus Manfredi is a member of the US Green Building Council and is a signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment working toward the goal of carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030.

“It has been my distinct honor to have worked closely with David Manfredi in guiding the University of Florida through its campus master planning efforts for the past two years. David is a breath of fresh air in what is often referred to as “the swamp”! He is the consummate mix—an artist, a soothsayer, an intellect, a sage, and a realist. In short, he has enabled us to rethink how we envision our campus, focusing our thoughts not only on the potential of the physical environment, but on the ways in which we deliver world-class education and research in the next half century. That’s what a visionary does.”

Dr. Charlie Lane

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, University of Florida

David P. Manfredi

FAIA, LEEDAP

CEO and Founding Principal

David Manfredi works with clients across the country on a diverse portfolio of planning and design projects. Deeply committed to the belief that the quality of our environment directly influences the quality of our lives, he effectively advocates for building and protecting vital, sustainable, durable urban places. At every scale, in every context, David’s mission is to create common ground that brings people and communities together. He reinvents tired urban precincts into 21st-century mixed-use environments, the edges of universities from barriers into connective seams with adjacent neighborhoods, underutilized urban areas into diverse innovation districts that support the collaborative imperatives of today’s science and technology, and obsolete manufacturing buildings into repurposed hubs of living and working that reinvigorate the urban core. From The Grove in Los Angeles, to Boston’s revitalized Fenway neighborhood, to New Balance’s health and performance district at Boston Landing, and The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, David’s projects are inventive, inclusive and sustainable. A compelling, sought-after speaker and thought-leader, David presents to business, civic, and professional organizations throughout the country about the value that mindful design brings to the quality of everyday life.

David is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and an active member of the Boston Preservation Alliance, International Council of Shopping Centers, NAIOP, and Urban Land Institute (ULI). He serves on the Boston Civic Design Commission, Northeastern University School of Architecture Advisory Council, the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture Advisory Council, and the ULI Boston Advisory Board. David is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with Bachelor degrees in both English and Architecture, and the University of Chicago, where he received a Master of Arts.

“It has been my distinct honor to have worked closely with David Manfredi in guiding the University of Florida through its campus master planning efforts for the past two years. David is a breath of fresh air in what is often referred to as “the swamp”! He is the consummate mix—an artist, a soothsayer, an intellect, a sage, and a realist. In short, he has enabled us to rethink how we envision our campus, focusing our thoughts not only on the potential of the physical environment, but on the ways in which we deliver world-class education and research in the next half century. That’s what a visionary does.”

Dr. Charlie Lane

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, University of Florida

“It was clear to me from the beginning of our project redesigning Draper’s headquarters that Elizabeth and I would form a very deep connection because of our shared interest in professionalism and integrity. Whenever we went over to Elkus Manfredi’s offices she was completely prepared. She even anticipated our needs to the point that she’d be halfway to a solution by the time we arrived. With Elizabeth, there are no excuses or unnecessary delays. We came in on time and under budget with the best use of flexible, collaborative space in Boston, if not the East Coast.”

Elizabeth O. Lowrey

Elizabeth Lowrey has been responsible for Elkus Manfredi’s interior architecture studio since the firm’s founding in 1988 and a part of the firm’s leadership since being named a Principal in 2002.

The synergy between interior design and architecture at Elkus Manfredi is due to both Elizabeth’s initial prescience and subsequent tenure. Working across the firm’s multiple disciplines, Elizabeth’s oversight for the creation of interiors for corporate, hospitality, residential, retail/entertainment, and higher education environments includes projects for Walt Disney Imagineering, Boston Consulting Group, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Publicis Groupe, New Balance, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, now part of Marriott International.

Boutique Design names Elizabeth a “maverick” and “silo buster” for her industry-crossing design approach blending corporate, hospitality, and retail design strategies. Interior Design includes her on a list of “20 Inspiring Women who make up the new face of the design industry.” She is widely recognized as a pioneer in the design of branded workplace environments that enhance organizational performance and firm culture. Admired for her sophisticated design eye, business acumen, and skillful management, Elizabeth attributes her success to her collaborative approach with her clients.

Elizabeth is a frequent speaker at design and architecture forums, universities, and business events, and has been featured in publications including The New York Times, TheLos Angeles Times, and Metropolis. She received the CoreNet Service Provider Leadership Award based upon the recommendations of her clients.

She is a member of the editorial advisory board of Contract, a board member of the Design Museum Foundation, a member of the Center for Workplace Innovation, and a Vice Chair of the Young Collectors Night for the Park Avenue Armory Winter Antiques Show. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from Auburn University.

“It was clear to me from the beginning of our project redesigning Draper’s headquarters that Elizabeth and I would form a very deep connection because of our shared interest in professionalism and integrity. Whenever we went over to Elkus Manfredi’s offices she was completely prepared. She even anticipated our needs to the point that she’d be halfway to a solution by the time we arrived. With Elizabeth, there are no excuses or unnecessary delays. We came in on time and under budget with the best use of flexible, collaborative space in Boston, if not the East Coast.”

“John is unique among architects in that he combines excellent technical design knowledge and skills, but also an appreciation of the economic goals we as developers have for our projects. With this broad perspective, John is one of the best I have seen at helping deliver the highest quality and most efficient design within the budget parameters we establish. He never shies from a challenge, and is never satisfied until he helps our team find the optimum design-development solution. Besides that, he is an absolute pleasure to work with!”

Jeff Jones

Principal, Capstone Development Partners

John H. Martin

AIA, LEEDAP

Principal

An insightful design leader, John Martin works at the forefront of design for science & technology and higher education projects across the country. His work is informed by his unique combination of pragmatic precision, appreciation of context, and broad understanding of real estate issues. With a holistic approach that synthesizes his training in both architecture and engineering, John’s passion for design and his personable leadership style are evidenced by the respect of his colleagues, staff, and clients.

John’s experience ranges from community-scaled master plans for campuses and urban mixed-use developments to building-scaled projects for interdisciplinary science facilities, commercial buildings, and all types of housing on campuses and in cities. He builds and facilitates strong design teams with his singular combination of experience, rigor, and approachability, and is committed to the idea that good planning and design can drive innovation, break down barriers, and build community.

John is active in the American Institute of Architects, the Society for College and University Planning, NAIOP, and the Urban Land Institute, and a frequent speaker on master planning, sustainable building, interdisciplinary scientific research, and public-private partnerships on campus. He received Bachelor degrees in both Environmental Design in Architecture and Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

“John is unique among architects in that he combines excellent technical design knowledge and skills, but also an appreciation of the economic goals we as developers have for our projects. With this broad perspective, John is one of the best I have seen at helping deliver the highest quality and most efficient design within the budget parameters we establish. He never shies from a challenge, and is never satisfied until he helps our team find the optimum design-development solution. Besides that, he is an absolute pleasure to work with!”

Jeff Jones

Principal, Capstone Development Partners

Mark D. Sardegna

AIA, LEEDAP

Principal

Mark Sardegna joined Elkus Manfredi Architects in 2004 and has more than 30 years of experience in the design and management of highly complex urban projects from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest. With a diverse portfolio of projects nationally and internationally that reflects his training as both an architect and a planner, his career has focused on the creation of new mixed-use and urban neighborhoods that reinvigorate underutilized districts into 21st-century mixed-use destinations. He also brings extensive experience in the planning and design of lively innovation districts that support the collaborative imperatives of today’s science and technology.

Mark has managed design teams for projects including New Balance headquarters, training facilities for the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics, the global headquarters campus for Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston’s Innovation District, and the four-million-square-foot life science master plan at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Osborn Triangle and subsequent Six Ten Main development. He is currently leading the planning and design team transforming the Landmark Center — a former Sear’s department store and distribution center in Boston’s historic Fenway neighborhood — into a vibrant social hub offering new retail and residential destinations. Mark has collaborated extensively with The Walt Disney Company on entertainment and retail precincts in Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai and managed projects for numerous higher education institutions.

Mark graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Boston Society of Architects, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Andrew P. West

AIA

Principal

Andy West has more than 35 years of experience on a range of sophisticated planning and design projects across the country and internationally. Since joining Elkus Manfredi in 1996, he has focused on large urban planning projects for mixed-use developments, as well as the design of buildings that contribute to the revitalization of urban environments. Andy has been responsible for managing some of the firm’s most notable projects, including The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a one million-square-foot retail destination in New York City; CityPlace, the award-winning redevelopment of approximately 72 acres in the heart of West Palm Beach recognized by the Urban Land Institute; The Shops at Columbus Circle, the 544,000-square-foot retail/entertainment base of Manhattan’s 2.8 million-square-foot Time Warner Center; and the master plan and design of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, which includes the award-winning Galleria shopping and entertainment destination, and Al Maryah Central, the 2.4-million-square-foot mixed-use development to be completed in 2019.

Andy is a graduate of Columbia University, where he has received a Bachelor of Arts in architecture and a Master of Architecture. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Boston Society of Architects.

2018

Boston Magazine Names David Manfredi as One of the “100 Most Influential People”

Elkus Manfredi’s CEO and Founding Principal David Manfredi is recognized alongside several clients and friends of the firm in Boston Magazine’s May 2018 issue. The citation reads, “Nobody is doing more to shape the appearance of Boston, from its campuses to its workplaces to pretty much everywhere else you look.”

2018

Elizabeth Lowrey Named One of 20 Inspiring Women in Interior Design Magazine

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Interior Design named Elizabeth Lowrey as one of the “20 inspiring women who make up the new face of the design industry.” Her reaction? “I’m honored and inspired. I share this recognition with all the talented women at Elkus Manfredi and the talented men who collaborate with us.”

2018

Architectural Digest explores how “Architects are Innovating the College Dorm”

AD reports on a new approach to campus residences and Lee Pelton, President of Emerson College, explains “The vision is to develop the coolest, hippest, most compelling destination in downtown.” Photos of Emerson and Rutgers are included as examples. Elizabeth Lowrey offers thoughts on designing for “a new generation of students for whom work-life balance is top of mind.”

2018

“From skyscrapers to sandwiches in the Seaport.” The Boston Globe sits down with David Manfredi.

The Boston Globe interviews David Manfredi on shaping a city. “Our role as planners and architects is broad. It often has to be about more than a single building. How do we improve connectivity? How do we make it more livable? How do we create really good public places where people want to be out on the sidewalk? A big part of innovation is making social spaces.”

2018

David Manfredi and Andrew West will lead Hudson Yards tour at the AIA National Conference

Hudson Yards New York City continues to be the hot ticket as the hardhat tour for the AIA National conference attendees is sold out. David Manfredi and Andrew West will join other Hudson Yards architects to lead the morning and afternoon tour at the conference on June 22nd.

2018

The University of Chicago Announces Plans for New Residential Commons

The University of Chicago has announced plans to build a new residential hall and dining commons that will open in the 2020–2021 academic year. Continuing efforts to enhance on-campus housing, the new Woodlawn Residential Commons will be comprised of 11 houses of 1,200 undergraduate students and resident staff, with amenities including lounges, study rooms and outdoor spaces.

2018

New York YIMBY reports on 200 Amsterdam

New York YIMBY reports on SJP Properties’ 200 Amsterdam residential project, a 55-story, 669-foot tall contribution to the Manhattan skyline that will be “extremely impressive in its own right.” As editor Nikolai Fedak writes, “The net effect is something contemporary that will nevertheless do a far better job of emulating Art Deco and traditional architecture than much of the surrounding neighborhood that is already built.”

2018

Elizabeth Lowrey’s guest column in Bankers & Tradesman suggests a co-creation process to hotel developers and that their “Employees Hold the Key to Great Hospitality Design.” Co-creation enlists the users of a workplace to participate in the design process from beginning to end. Early in the process, employees express their emotional relationship to work activities (from “magical” to “collaborative” to “private”) and join with designers to create spaces encouraging the most valuable emotions.

2018

Space International Hotel Design Magazine — 5 min with CT Nguyen

Designer CT Nguyen is profiled in Space International Hotel Design Magazine! “As designers we uncover history and context; we also engage the client to bring us on their journey with their vision, their hopes, and their dreams. “Turn to page 146 for “5 mins with CT.”

Principal Howard Elkus was Recognized Posthumously by Save The Harbor

2018

Elkus Manfredi Featured in BAC’s Winter 2018 Exhibit

We are proud to be one of the eight design firms who were featured in Boston Architectural College’s ‘Frameworks and Trajectories: Lessons from Design Practice’ winter 2018 exhibit! As an Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) partner of the college, Elkus Manfredi provides guidance, support, and mentorship for students as they work toward their degrees.

2018

David Manfredi Appointed to Boston Architectural College Board of Trustees

We are proud to share that founding principal David Manfredi was recently appointed to the Boston Architectural College Board of Trustees. David is joined by 20 other significant industry leaders in the fields of Architecture, Real Estate, Development, Engineering, Construction, Design, and more.

2018

Elkus Manfredi Architects speak at SCUP North Atlantic Conference

The SCUP 2018 North Atlantic Regional Conference was held in Cambridge, and Elkus Manfredi Architects presented lectures on innovative concepts we are currently implementing with two of our projects. John Martin, alongside William Davis of Capstone and Patricia Filippone of UMass Building Authority, presented on University of Massachusetts’ first public-private partnership (P3) which is being achieved with UMASS Boston’s first student housing project. It was standing room only for Maria Schroeder, Mark Sardegna, and MIT Investment Management Company’s Ken Williams’ presentation on MIT’s placemaking efforts on Main Street at the heart of Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem.

2018

The Innovation and Design Building featured in Boston Magazine

The Innovation and Design Building was featured in Boston Magazine for its transformation from a military waterside warehouse to the City’s hot spot for designers, researchers, makers, and innovators alike. Purchased in 2013 by Jamestown, the IDB is undergoing a $100 million renovation and repositioning by Elkus Manfredi Architects for placemaking and building improvements.

2018

Boston Landing Residence Named

The Boston Landing residential team announced that the new 17-story, 295-unit luxury apartment building will be named “Lantera.” The building is slated to open May 2018, with pre-leasing tours happening in mid-March.

2018

MassDOT Research and Materials Lab achieves LEED gold certification

MassDOT Research and Materials Lab has achieved LEED gold certification for its use of sustainable design features including site development, water savings, energy efficiency, renewable materials selection, and high indoor environmental quality. Congratulations to the design team on this success!

2018

Emerson Dedicates Room to Architect, Collaborator Howard Elkus

Friends and colleagues gathered as Emerson College and President Lee Pelton dedicated the Howard Elkus Meeting and Dining Room in honor of our Founding Principal. A touching and memorable tribute to Howard and to those he inspired to reinvent and define Emerson’s campus.

Howard F. Elkus

FAIA, RIBA, LEEDAP

Founding Principal

(1938 – 2017)

An internationally acclaimed architect and urban designer, Howard Elkus led the design of game-changing developments and destinations over his career, which spanned more than 50 years. His commitment to designing urban places that create community – he termed these “people places” – was unequaled, as was his dedication to revitalizing cities with a dynamic and authentic blend of old and new. A friend and mentor to many in the architectural community and beyond, Howard brought a sense of joy and rigor to all his work, an infectious exuberance and standard of excellence that inspired each project, each client, and each team he led.

Since co-founding Elkus Manfredi Architects in 1988, and previously as a principal of The Architects Collaborative, Howard’s visionary work consistently broke new ground. As a pioneer of placemaking and sustainable design, he was a transformational figure not only in his adopted city of Boston, where his influence can be seen throughout the built environment, but also in cities and neighborhoods across the country and the globe.

His projects have included the design and planning for the million-square-foot Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards; master planning and design for Union Point, the comprehensive “Smart City” south of Boston; master planning and architectural design for Miami Worldcenter, a 27-acre downtown redevelopment that brings the heart of Miami into the 21st century; the Las Vegas City Hall, a signature design that pays homage to the past, present, and future of the city; two 47-story glass residential towers on the Hudson River in Fort Lee, New Jersey; Copley Place in Boston, the flagship prototype for mixed-use urban centers that Howard planned and designed 30 years ago.

Other large-scale mixed-use destinations are equally legendary — The Shops at Columbus Circle at the Time Warner Center in New York City and the world-famous paradigm of new urbanism, CityPlace in West Palm Beach. In addition, Howard created the next generation of transformational mixed-use destinations with the remaking of Boston’s iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. His work also included master plans and building designs for major higher education institutions including Harvard, Stanford, and Boston University.

Internationally, Howard led design teams for major mixed-use projects including The Galleria and Al Maryah Central in Abu Dhabi; and major mixed-use planning and design projects in Toronto, Istanbul, and Mexico City.

Howard received a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. He was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, having been the lead designer of the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.; a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Boston Society of Architects; and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Howard was an active member of the Urban Land Institute and the International Council of Shopping Centers; and served on the Board of Trustees of the Boston Architectural College, the National Advisory Board of Old North Foundation, Artists for Humanity, and the International Board of Advisors of HealthBridge Foundation.